The funny thing is that the city originally assumed the name of "Mansfeild" after the two men who played a huge role in the town's development, R.S. Man and Julian Feild. However, so many people spelled that name incorrectly that eventually the city became known as Mansfield. It's just easier than constantly correcting folks.
As long as you can ignore the misspelling, you can have a ball in Mansfield, whether that be catching a show at Farr Best Theater, swimming at Hawaiian Falls or dining at Steven's Garden Grill. Mansfield is very much enveloped in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and that's part of what makes the city shine. You get small-town charm with proximity to the big city. Mansfield isn't short on its own entertainment as well. For the folks who make their home in this Texas town, Mansfield satisfies in every way. If there is ever a day when it doesn't, there's plenty in the surrounding area. Mansfield's location, attractions and unique pace make it a worthy town to unpack your bags and chill.
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Moving to Mansfield
Mansfield has become a great place to live in Texas, and that is evidenced by the city's rapid population growth. In 2000, the population was 28,031. In 2010, the population reached 56,368. That's incredible! Consequently, the real estate market is in constant flux and newcomers must do a little extra research before moving here.
Is There Overcrowding?
If the answer has to be a yes or no, the answer is yes. However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. One reason is that a decent portion of Mansfield, especially the area where U.S. Route 287 meets Heritage Parkway, is still open land, which means there is room for more housing. Due to that, construction is constant, but if you don't mind the noise of bulldozers and cranes, you can profit because the value of real estate has consistently been rising. If you plan to stay a long time, looking for houses for sale rather than rental properties is a good idea. If you aren't sure, renting is still a solid option. Additionally, most homes (over 54%) were built after the year 2000. With all these fresh homes, the chances of you having to do repairs are lessened tremendously, because most places still possess that new home aroma! The one bad aspect of the crowded market is that locating and getting a house or apartment for rent in Mansfield may be a little more difficult than you anticipated. This is because open listings aren't in abundance. Development is catching up, though. With a little patience, compromise, and determination, you won't have too big of an issue grabbing a pad you like.
Houses Lead the Way
Sure, there are some mobile homes, condos and apartments for rent, but houses control the market. Unlike other areas of Texas, most of these houses don't come with huge plots of land, which equals less maintenance but also less space. If you are specifically targeting a pad in an apartment complex, consider widening your search to encompass houses as you will have a wider array of choices. Detached, one-unit housing make up 82.5% of the homes in Mansfield. That's not to say landing an apartment or condo is more difficult than winning a duel against Aaron Burr. Over 10% of units are apartments or condos, and complexes like Pecan Bend Apartments and Towne Crossing Apartments usually have one and two bedroom apartments available.
Most Units Are Owner Occupied
In fact, roughly 80% are. Just under 20% are renter occupied, which is lower than the state's average. Mansfield still has options for renters, especially when you consider that new developments are being built as you read this. The house hunting process might take a week longer than other towns. The best time to look is in the late spring and early summer as this is when most people chose to move out if they need to relocate. Since the sun is out during that time, it is recommended to wear sunglasses; that way the landlord won't be able to see what you are thinking and you can force them to truly sell you the pad. Winter typically sees a lot fewer openings, but if you have to move to Mansfield during this time, the one benefit is that this period has the best deals on rental homes. Due to high owner occupancy and market fluctuations, it's recommended to give yourself more than three weeks during any time of the year, especially if you go during the winter. If time is tight, consider hiring a real estate agent to help you expedite the renting process.
Completing the Transaction
In Mansfield, you will probably handle the leasing agreement with a landlord. You do have to write a check for the security deposit and one month's rent. The owner may request a credit check and evidence you can pay the monthly rent. If you deal with management at complexes, they will ask for all of the above and will also have you fill out a neat application that sums up your rental history. Regardless of where you rent, make sure to inquire about how paying for utilities works. Some owners may include water in the price of rent; some may not.
Mansfield Neighborhoods
You could even argue about the correct spelling of some of the neighborhoods in town, but who has the time? You've got to find yourself a neighborhood. Then you can begin having a blast in Mansfield. Most neighborhoods in the northern section of the city are filled with subdivisions. Not as many people live in the southern area as it has less housing.
Historic Downtown: This is where Main Street and Broad Street intersect. Highlights include Mansfield Historical Society, Farr Best Theater, shops and eateries. There are houses and apartments near the crossing.
Rendon: On the northwest side of town, this neighborhood features lots of subdivisions and scattered stores.
Walnut Creek: On the north and northeast side of Mansfield, Walnut Creek features tons of housing. You could get lost in the various subdivisions. Walnut Creek Village (a shopping center) and Walnut Creek Country Club are two attractions.
Walnut Ridge: On the east side of town, Walnut Ridge is close to Mansfield Sports Complex and East Broad Street.
Hawaiian Falls: This neighborhood is near Hawaiian Falls (a water park). Big League Dreams, which is a baseball complex with fields that resemble famous MLB fields, is located here. Mansfield National Golf Club is also here. Overall, this is one of the most entertaining areas of the city. The area has some housing subdivisions and is in the southeast.
South Main Street/Heritage Parkway: This area is sparsely populated and occupies the south side of town.
Living in Mansfield
Cars! Mansfield covers an area of 36.5 square miles, and while walking and biking is useful for exercise and a short trip to the convenience store, a car is your best option for trips of longer distances. Because there's so much to see and do within the larger region, a car is all the more convenient and useful. How else would you go see the Cowboys play football in Arlington?
By the time you arrive, you will be singing an alternate version of the song, "Rudy Can't Fail" by The Clash. You'll be chanting a new tune entitled "Mansfield Can't Fail." Decades ago, folks were asking whether or not Mansfield had the stuff to be a major player in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. As the tumbleweeds roll past and time goes on, it's becoming quite clear that Mansfield has the proper stuff. The people here have Dallas when they want big city pizzazz. When folks want nature, they don't even have to go far as parks such as Oliver Nature Park, Julian Feild Park and Town Park provide all ample beauty. What's awesome about the town is that it still maintains its original charm, and that can be seen at eateries like Oliver's Fine Foods, shopping areas like Mansfield Pointe, and events like the Pickle Parade and Palooza. To be fair, Mansfield is still a work in progress, evidenced by all that construction. When the dust settles, though, you can be sure the light of Mansfield will shine strong throughout the Lone Star State.
